We all carry stories about who we are and what we’re capable of. These narratives shape our decisions, our confidence, and how we lead. But what happens when the stories we tell ourselves no longer serve us?
Maybe you believe you have to work twice as hard to be taken seriously. Perhaps you see yourself as “not a natural leader” or feel locked into a career path you never truly chose. These internalized beliefs, often formed early in life, can keep you stuck. The good news? You have the power to rewrite your leadership story.
The Power of Personal Narratives
Our brains love stories—they help us make sense of the world. But not all stories are accurate, and many of the narratives we hold onto are based on outdated experiences, external expectations, or self-doubt.
Think about the beliefs you carry about yourself. Are they empowering or limiting? Some common limiting leadership narratives include:
- “I’m not good at managing people.”
- “I have to say yes to everything to prove my value.”
- “I’ll never be as confident as other leaders.”
These stories feel real because we’ve repeated them for years. But they are not facts. They are interpretations—and interpretations can change.
Recognizing the Stories That No Longer Fit
One way to recognize outdated narratives is to pay attention to moments of resistance—when something inside you says, This doesn’t feel right anymore.
Ask yourself:
- What belief about myself keeps me playing small?
- Where do I feel stuck in my leadership journey?
- What would I do differently if I didn’t believe this story?
Acknowledging these internal roadblocks is the first step toward letting them go.
Rewriting Your Leadership Story
Once you’ve identified limiting beliefs, it’s time to rewrite them. Here’s how:
- Challenge the Narrative – Ask: Is this belief objectively true? Where did it come from?
- Find Contradictory Evidence – Think of times when you successfully led, took a risk, or proved this belief wrong.
- Create a New Story – Replace the old belief with an empowering one, such as:
- “I lead in my own way, and that’s valuable.”
- “I am capable of setting boundaries while still being respected.”
- “Confidence is built through action, and I am stepping into leadership every day.”
The Role of Strengths in Shaping Your Leadership Story
Your unique strengths play a critical role in how you lead. When you focus on what you naturally do best, you build confidence and move away from outdated stories that focus on what you “lack.”
- A leader with Strategic might not be the loudest in the room, but their insights drive smart decisions.
- Someone strong in Empathy might lead through deep relationships rather than authority.
- A leader with Activator thrives by taking quick, decisive action.
Rather than fitting into someone else’s idea of leadership, embracing your strengths allows you to lead authentically.
Action Step: Take a moment to reflect—how do your natural strengths contradict the limiting beliefs you’ve held about yourself?
Letting Go to Move Forward
Letting go of outdated leadership narratives isn’t about forgetting the past—it’s about choosing a new direction. It’s about releasing what no longer serves you so you can fully reach your potential.
What leadership story will you choose to write next?
Ready to explore and embrace your leadership strengths? Book a free consultation with me to discuss how you can leverage your unique talents and build a leadership approach that aligns with who you truly are.
